The newest Kinton Ramen location has just opened beside the
first Kinka Izakaya (formerly Guu) … talk about coming full circle! In contrast
to Kinton 1 on Baldwin and Kinton 4 in North York, the Church street restaurant
is surrounded by windows giving the dining room an airy atmosphere and some
turning heads as pedestrians walk by.
Its menu is identical to the other restaurants but there are
some slight differences in the food’s preparation. For example, at Kinton 5
some pieces of their original karaage
($5.90) have the skin left on so that the deep fried chicken is even moister
and an addition crackling crunch. Any flour coating the chicken is minimal
making the appetizer lighter than the versions I’ve tried at Kinton 4 and
Kinka.
Be careful when biting into the takoyaki ($4.50) … it’s HOT! As the steam settles, you can see the octopus
pieces mixed into the glutinous dough of the deep fried nuggets. Its consistency
is more fluid than you’d expect, but it’s not off putting and almost reminds me
of a stickier deep fried turnip cake.
Having had a good experience with the spicy garlic pork
noodles, I decided to try the other flavour amped offering: the spicy jalapeno
chicken ramen ($11.90). The heat, stemming from the jalapeno paste, is subtle
and plays peek-a-boo with the tongue; barely noticeable until the last moment
the soup is swallowed.
The two slices of chicken breast weren’t overly flavourful
but are tender having been cooked sous vide and goes well with the blanched diced
white onions. Personally, I think the ramen should come standard with corn (an
extra $1), which adds an additional punch of colour, its sweetness balancing
the jalapeno and the crunch contrasting against the otherwise “soft”
ingredients.
Adding on a seasoned egg ($1.50) is wise, it seems even more
slowly cooked than the other locations, its yolk a molten jelly texture.
The silky chicken broth has a creamy quality without being
oily so it’s a lighter meal – perfect for the warmer weather. And, it’s one of
those bowls that’s easy to finish every last drop so that you too can become a
Kinton Bowler and get a picture on their online wall of fame.
Disclaimer: The above meal was provided on a complimentary basis, but rest assured, as noted in the mission statement, I will provide an honest opinion.
How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 396 Church Street
Address: 396 Church Street
Website: http://www.kintonramen.com/
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
Other Gastro World posts similar to this:
- Kinton Ramen - North York
- Kinton Ramen - Baldwin
